Cracked and Chipped Teeth: When to Worry and What to Do

A chipped tooth after biting something hard. A cracked tooth following a fall. It happens fast—and the question most patients ask is, “Is this an emergency?”

At Stonebrook Family Dental, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you understand when a cracked or chipped tooth needs urgent attention and what you should do next to protect your smile.

Common Causes of Cracked or Chipped Teeth

Tooth damage can happen in an instant or develop gradually over time. Some of the most common causes include:

• Biting down on hard foods (ice, nuts, popcorn kernels)

• Sports injuries or facial trauma

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

• Large fillings that weaken tooth structure

• Age-related wear and tear

Even small cracks can lead to major dental problems if left untreated.

When to Worry: Signs It’s More Than Cosmetic

Not all chips and cracks are emergencies—but some require immediate care. Call us right away if you notice:

• Sharp or jagged edges that irritate your tongue or cheeks

• Pain when biting or chewing

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods

• Visible cracks running vertically or toward the gum line

• A piece of tooth has broken off

• Bleeding or swelling near the tooth

Some cracks can expose the inner layers of your tooth, increasing the risk of infection, nerve damage, or even tooth loss.

What to Do If You Crack or Chip a Tooth

Here’s what we recommend if you’ve chipped or cracked a tooth:

1. Rinse with warm water to clean the area

2. Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling

3. Avoid chewing on that side

4. Cover sharp edges with dental wax if needed

5. Call Stonebrook Family Dental immediately

Even if there’s no pain, a small crack can grow over time and lead to more extensive (and expensive) dental work.

How We Treat Cracked and Chipped Teeth

At Stonebrook Family Dental, we offer restorative solutions that preserve your tooth and restore your smile:

• Dental Bonding – Ideal for small chips; we apply a tooth-colored resin to restore shape and function.

• Porcelain Veneers – For front teeth with cosmetic chips or cracks.

• Dental Crowns – For larger fractures that compromise strength.

• Root Canal Therapy – If the crack reaches the pulp, we’ll save the tooth with endodontic treatment.

• Tooth Extraction – Only if the tooth is too severely damaged to repair.

Our team will evaluate the damage and recommend the most appropriate and affordable solution for your smile.

Cracked a Tooth? Don’t Wait to Get It Checked

Even a small chip can be a big deal. At Stonebrook Family Dental in Aurora, CO, we provide fast, friendly, and expert care to repair your teeth and protect your long-term oral health.

Call us today or schedule online if you’ve chipped or cracked a tooth—we’ll take care of it quickly and comfortably.